Platte lines: Setting allocations an important and complex process

In the last column, we introduced a general overview of the allocation system used by the NRD as one of the tools used to maintain adequate ground water supplies. As the District moves forward to set allocations for the irrigation years 2016-2018, we want to share how the process works and what we’re trying to accomplish.

In 2004 the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources designated the entire South Platte NRD as full appropriated, or using as much ground water as there was ground water recharge. Later that same year, the South Platte River Basin, including Lodgepole Creek was declared overa...